Sport

Logo debacle won't prompt Newport Gwent Dragons name change

NEWPORT Gwent Dragons do not intend to change their name despite a can of worms being opened up by the fiasco over a new logo, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Rodney Parade region made an embarrassing climbdown yesterday, closing a web vote to choose a crest just 14 hours after it started because of negative feedback.

Over 2,250 votes were cast on yourdragons.co.uk but the current badge – which has been on the jersey since 2003 – will remain next season rather than any of the three prospective options.

While the attempt to engage with supporters was laudable, the "brand refresh" idea merely sparked the age-old debate over the name.

The vote fired up rival factions with some arguing for it to be just Newport and others calling for the region to be known simply as the Dragons.

Not only that, the vote wasn't exclusive to rugby supporters in the region – people could have their say even if they had never heard of Rodney Parade let alone stepped through its turnstiles.

The embarrassing episode mere served to highlight the problems facing the region – choosing a new crest featuring Newport Gwent Dragons was akin to giving the radiator a fresh lick of paint and ignoring the crack in the living room wall.

Members of the board are frustrated at the debacle and while they acknowledge the need to establish a proper direction over their identity they feel the time is wrong for that particular debate.

They believe there are more pressing matters, namely the attempts of Regional Rugby Wales, the body representing them along with the Ospreys, Cardiff Blues and the Scarlets, to thrash out a new participation agreement with the Welsh Rugby Union.

Nor do they intend to make any hasty moves in what is, and always has been, a delicate situation.

They are keen to attract support from all over Gwent to Rodney Parade but are well aware that the majority of their season ticket holders hail from Newport.

Detailed market research about what route to go down could happen in the future, but it does not appear to be imminent.

Comments (52)

Members of the board are frustrated at the debacle and while they acknowledge the need to establish a proper direction over their identity they feel the time is wrong for that particular debate.

No this is the perfect time to discuss it, it's a real possibility that they will finish bottom of the league. They are going to need new people coming through the gate. Drop the Gwent Dragons rubbish, call them Newport RFC, and you will get 3 season tickets bought from my house straight away.

Members of the board are frustrated at the debacle and while they acknowledge the need to establish a proper direction over their identity they feel the time is wrong for that particular debate.
No this is the perfect time to discuss it, it's a real possibility that they will finish bottom of the league. They are going to need new people coming through the gate. Drop the Gwent Dragons rubbish, call them Newport RFC, and you will get 3 season tickets bought from my house straight away.Mr Bump.

Like Mr Bump I have money burning in my pocket to by a season ticket but there it will remain until they drop this Gwent nonsense, we've had 10 years of this, time get real if you want more support stop this pretence about embracing the whole of Gwent it will never happen.

Like Mr Bump I have money burning in my pocket to by a season ticket but there it will remain until they drop this Gwent nonsense, we've had 10 years of this, time get real if you want more support stop this pretence about embracing the whole of Gwent it will never happen.mep

This argument is so boring. Simply look at what the region has, Newport RFC, Cross Keys RFC, Bedwas RFC and now Ebbw Vale RFC all in the Prem. That gives a great feeder system for Gwent based teams to bring home grown players through and simply calling the region Newport will kill off three feeders. That would kill off any development options for ever. Stupid none spence some of you so called supporters spout I doubt if any of you go to games anyway.

This argument is so boring. Simply look at what the region has, Newport RFC, Cross Keys RFC, Bedwas RFC and now Ebbw Vale RFC all in the Prem. That gives a great feeder system for Gwent based teams to bring home grown players through and simply calling the region Newport will kill off three feeders. That would kill off any development options for ever. Stupid none spence some of you so called supporters spout I doubt if any of you go to games anyway.Robert Shillabeer

The majority of season ticket holders hail from Newport because they are called NEWPORT gwent dragons and play at NEWPORT's ground. Not exactly rocket science. What do you think would happen if they were called EBBW VALE or PONTYPOOL gwent dragons?
'Market research does not appear to be imminent'!!!! It hasn't been for eleven years. They want valley people through the turnstiles but alienate them at every opportunity.

The majority of season ticket holders hail from Newport because they are called NEWPORT gwent dragons and play at NEWPORT's ground. Not exactly rocket science. What do you think would happen if they were called EBBW VALE or PONTYPOOL gwent dragons?
'Market research does not appear to be imminent'!!!! It hasn't been for eleven years. They want valley people through the turnstiles but alienate them at every opportunity.Melvyn The Milk

Robert Shillabeer wrote:
This argument is so boring. Simply look at what the region has, Newport RFC, Cross Keys RFC, Bedwas RFC and now Ebbw Vale RFC all in the Prem. That gives a great feeder system for Gwent based teams to bring home grown players through and simply calling the region Newport will kill off three feeders. That would kill off any development options for ever. Stupid none spence some of you so called supporters spout I doubt if any of you go to games anyway.

Robert I have been a supporter of Newport Rugby football club since 1960 through thick and thin mostly thin it has to be said. For the past ten years I have also been a Dragons season ticket holder as well, even though I did not and still do not agree with regional rugby. The people of Gwent have had ten years to buy into this ill thought out project and have been found wanting, that's not to imply criticism, every supporter wants to watch their team whether it be a city,town or village. The clubs you mention above have always been feeder clubs to the bigger clubs I mean no disrespect in saying this but it's just the way it is, but their supporters do not want to support a so called region. If you dropped Newport, Gwent or Dragons from the name and called it something else it would still be Newport people for the most part supporting it. I'm afraid if we don't go back to the future soon rugby is going to die in Wales.

[quote][p][bold]Robert Shillabeer[/bold] wrote:
This argument is so boring. Simply look at what the region has, Newport RFC, Cross Keys RFC, Bedwas RFC and now Ebbw Vale RFC all in the Prem. That gives a great feeder system for Gwent based teams to bring home grown players through and simply calling the region Newport will kill off three feeders. That would kill off any development options for ever. Stupid none spence some of you so called supporters spout I doubt if any of you go to games anyway.[/p][/quote]Robert I have been a supporter of Newport Rugby football club since 1960 through thick and thin mostly thin it has to be said. For the past ten years I have also been a Dragons season ticket holder as well, even though I did not and still do not agree with regional rugby. The people of Gwent have had ten years to buy into this ill thought out project and have been found wanting, that's not to imply criticism, every supporter wants to watch their team whether it be a city,town or village. The clubs you mention above have always been feeder clubs to the bigger clubs I mean no disrespect in saying this but it's just the way it is, but their supporters do not want to support a so called region. If you dropped Newport, Gwent or Dragons from the name and called it something else it would still be Newport people for the most part supporting it. I'm afraid if we don't go back to the future soon rugby is going to die in Wales.blackandamber

Robert Shillabeer wrote:
This argument is so boring. Simply look at what the region has, Newport RFC, Cross Keys RFC, Bedwas RFC and now Ebbw Vale RFC all in the Prem. That gives a great feeder system for Gwent based teams to bring home grown players through and simply calling the region Newport will kill off three feeders. That would kill off any development options for ever. Stupid none spence some of you so called supporters spout I doubt if any of you go to games anyway.

This argument needs sorting, this is an appeal to the Argus lets have a poll on who wants it to be Newport RFC and who wants Gwent Dragons ? simple

[quote][p][bold]Robert Shillabeer[/bold] wrote:
This argument is so boring. Simply look at what the region has, Newport RFC, Cross Keys RFC, Bedwas RFC and now Ebbw Vale RFC all in the Prem. That gives a great feeder system for Gwent based teams to bring home grown players through and simply calling the region Newport will kill off three feeders. That would kill off any development options for ever. Stupid none spence some of you so called supporters spout I doubt if any of you go to games anyway.[/p][/quote]This argument needs sorting, this is an appeal to the Argus lets have a poll on who wants it to be Newport RFC and who wants Gwent Dragons ? simplehazellboy

I'm reading these comments and the debate with a growing sense of frustration. This is eleven years on, and in some ways the reality is clearer than ever. Wales can only sustain four (possibly five) professional teams at a maximum. These teams are currently struggling financially, so spreading the pot of money more ways is out of the question.

Thankfully we currently have a team in this area. Should it be called Newport and leave the Valleys with no-one to support, or Gwent, and miss out on the proud heritage of Newport? Personally I prefer a more neutral name like the Dragons, which then we either have to get behind, or risk losing even that. Some of these posters seem to prefer to have either the Valleys only, or Newport only. Personally, we have a team, Newport itself is too small an area, so let's build on it, have some friendlies/small games around Gwent and involve people! Otherwise goodbye to professional rugby in Gwent.

I'm reading these comments and the debate with a growing sense of frustration. This is eleven years on, and in some ways the reality is clearer than ever. Wales can only sustain four (possibly five) professional teams at a maximum. These teams are currently struggling financially, so spreading the pot of money more ways is out of the question.
Thankfully we currently have a team in this area. Should it be called Newport and leave the Valleys with no-one to support, or Gwent, and miss out on the proud heritage of Newport? Personally I prefer a more neutral name like the Dragons, which then we either have to get behind, or risk losing even that. Some of these posters seem to prefer to have either the Valleys only, or Newport only. Personally, we have a team, Newport itself is too small an area, so let's build on it, have some friendlies/small games around Gwent and involve people! Otherwise goodbye to professional rugby in Gwent.Dave1234567

I think people like Mr Bump dont realise this so called region is 50% owned by the WRU. However tell me something why is dropping Gwent Dragons from the name so important to these ghost supporters, they petitioned to get Newport in the name and still didnt attend, they play in their home city but still dont come, they play in Newports home ground but still dont come, what excuse next theyl only come if they play on the green opposite their houses . The fact of the matter is its already branded as Newport and its failed just as it has at the scarlets and blues. Open your eyes and look at the likes of Munster, Leinster and what could be achieved with a true region, there is no argument facts are facts the Newport brand has failed!

I think people like Mr Bump dont realise this so called region is 50% owned by the WRU. However tell me something why is dropping Gwent Dragons from the name so important to these ghost supporters, they petitioned to get Newport in the name and still didnt attend, they play in their home city but still dont come, they play in Newports home ground but still dont come, what excuse next theyl only come if they play on the green opposite their houses . The fact of the matter is its already branded as Newport and its failed just as it has at the scarlets and blues. Open your eyes and look at the likes of Munster, Leinster and what could be achieved with a true region, there is no argument facts are facts the Newport brand has failed!gwentexiles

Robert Shillabeer wrote:
This argument is so boring. Simply look at what the region has, Newport RFC, Cross Keys RFC, Bedwas RFC and now Ebbw Vale RFC all in the Prem. That gives a great feeder system for Gwent based teams to bring home grown players through and simply calling the region Newport will kill off three feeders. That would kill off any development options for ever. Stupid none spence some of you so called supporters spout I doubt if any of you go to games anyway.

This argument needs sorting, this is an appeal to the Argus lets have a poll on who wants it to be Newport RFC and who wants Gwent Dragons ? simple

Aye, that'll work about as well as the idiotic logo poll conceived by the marketing genius the Dragons have brought in.

[quote][p][bold]hazellboy[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Robert Shillabeer[/bold] wrote:
This argument is so boring. Simply look at what the region has, Newport RFC, Cross Keys RFC, Bedwas RFC and now Ebbw Vale RFC all in the Prem. That gives a great feeder system for Gwent based teams to bring home grown players through and simply calling the region Newport will kill off three feeders. That would kill off any development options for ever. Stupid none spence some of you so called supporters spout I doubt if any of you go to games anyway.[/p][/quote]This argument needs sorting, this is an appeal to the Argus lets have a poll on who wants it to be Newport RFC and who wants Gwent Dragons ? simple[/p][/quote]Aye, that'll work about as well as the idiotic logo poll conceived by the marketing genius the Dragons have brought in.exilegareth

gwentexiles wrote:
I think people like Mr Bump dont realise this so called region is 50% owned by the WRU. However tell me something why is dropping Gwent Dragons from the name so important to these ghost supporters, they petitioned to get Newport in the name and still didnt attend, they play in their home city but still dont come, they play in Newports home ground but still dont come, what excuse next theyl only come if they play on the green opposite their houses . The fact of the matter is its already branded as Newport and its failed just as it has at the scarlets and blues. Open your eyes and look at the likes of Munster, Leinster and what could be achieved with a true region, there is no argument facts are facts the Newport brand has failed!

I did attend i bought into it for two seasons, they told us we were a problem shouting Newport, so i helped them out with their problem by withdrawing my support. It's funny how in those first two years they played better with Newport chants, than they have in the next 8 seasons. Wake up and smell the Coffee, NEWPORT is the only way. C'mon the 'Port!

[quote][p][bold]gwentexiles[/bold] wrote:
I think people like Mr Bump dont realise this so called region is 50% owned by the WRU. However tell me something why is dropping Gwent Dragons from the name so important to these ghost supporters, they petitioned to get Newport in the name and still didnt attend, they play in their home city but still dont come, they play in Newports home ground but still dont come, what excuse next theyl only come if they play on the green opposite their houses . The fact of the matter is its already branded as Newport and its failed just as it has at the scarlets and blues. Open your eyes and look at the likes of Munster, Leinster and what could be achieved with a true region, there is no argument facts are facts the Newport brand has failed![/p][/quote]I did attend i bought into it for two seasons, they told us we were a problem shouting Newport, so i helped them out with their problem by withdrawing my support. It's funny how in those first two years they played better with Newport chants, than they have in the next 8 seasons. Wake up and smell the Coffee, NEWPORT is the only way. C'mon the 'Port!Mr Bump.

Robert Shillabeer wrote:
This argument is so boring. Simply look at what the region has, Newport RFC, Cross Keys RFC, Bedwas RFC and now Ebbw Vale RFC all in the Prem. That gives a great feeder system for Gwent based teams to bring home grown players through and simply calling the region Newport will kill off three feeders. That would kill off any development options for ever. Stupid none spence some of you so called supporters spout I doubt if any of you go to games anyway.

This argument needs sorting, this is an appeal to the Argus lets have a poll on who wants it to be Newport RFC and who wants Gwent Dragons ? simple

That would be flawed and allow for multiple voting.

There needs to be a vote of season ticket holders. What Brown promised us 11 years ago.

[quote][p][bold]hazellboy[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Robert Shillabeer[/bold] wrote:
This argument is so boring. Simply look at what the region has, Newport RFC, Cross Keys RFC, Bedwas RFC and now Ebbw Vale RFC all in the Prem. That gives a great feeder system for Gwent based teams to bring home grown players through and simply calling the region Newport will kill off three feeders. That would kill off any development options for ever. Stupid none spence some of you so called supporters spout I doubt if any of you go to games anyway.[/p][/quote]This argument needs sorting, this is an appeal to the Argus lets have a poll on who wants it to be Newport RFC and who wants Gwent Dragons ? simple[/p][/quote]That would be flawed and allow for multiple voting.
There needs to be a vote of season ticket holders. What Brown promised us 11 years ago.The People's Republic of Newp

Doesn't surprise me there's no desire to lance this boil, especially as its the only proper, responsible and professional thing to do, something Welsh rugby is not especially famed for.

Doesn't surprise me there's no desire to lance this boil, especially as its the only proper, responsible and professional thing to do, something Welsh rugby is not especially famed for.The People's Republic of Newp

Robert Shillabeer wrote:
This argument is so boring. Simply look at what the region has, Newport RFC, Cross Keys RFC, Bedwas RFC and now Ebbw Vale RFC all in the Prem. That gives a great feeder system for Gwent based teams to bring home grown players through and simply calling the region Newport will kill off three feeders. That would kill off any development options for ever. Stupid none spence some of you so called supporters spout I doubt if any of you go to games anyway.

It might be boring Robert but its a matter that has hindered the growth of professional rugby in south-east Wales. If you consider yourself a true supporter you'd want this sorted one way or the other.

[quote][p][bold]Robert Shillabeer[/bold] wrote:
This argument is so boring. Simply look at what the region has, Newport RFC, Cross Keys RFC, Bedwas RFC and now Ebbw Vale RFC all in the Prem. That gives a great feeder system for Gwent based teams to bring home grown players through and simply calling the region Newport will kill off three feeders. That would kill off any development options for ever. Stupid none spence some of you so called supporters spout I doubt if any of you go to games anyway.[/p][/quote]It might be boring Robert but its a matter that has hindered the growth of professional rugby in south-east Wales. If you consider yourself a true supporter you'd want this sorted one way or the other.The People's Republic of Newp

Robert Shillabeer wrote:
This argument is so boring. Simply look at what the region has, Newport RFC, Cross Keys RFC, Bedwas RFC and now Ebbw Vale RFC all in the Prem. That gives a great feeder system for Gwent based teams to bring home grown players through and simply calling the region Newport will kill off three feeders. That would kill off any development options for ever. Stupid none spence some of you so called supporters spout I doubt if any of you go to games anyway.

This argument needs sorting, this is an appeal to the Argus lets have a poll on who wants it to be Newport RFC and who wants Gwent Dragons ? simple

Yeah. Great idea. Let's do it outside Newport library too like on the last occasion in 2003.

[quote][p][bold]hazellboy[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Robert Shillabeer[/bold] wrote:
This argument is so boring. Simply look at what the region has, Newport RFC, Cross Keys RFC, Bedwas RFC and now Ebbw Vale RFC all in the Prem. That gives a great feeder system for Gwent based teams to bring home grown players through and simply calling the region Newport will kill off three feeders. That would kill off any development options for ever. Stupid none spence some of you so called supporters spout I doubt if any of you go to games anyway.[/p][/quote]This argument needs sorting, this is an appeal to the Argus lets have a poll on who wants it to be Newport RFC and who wants Gwent Dragons ? simple[/p][/quote]Yeah. Great idea. Let's do it outside Newport library too like on the last occasion in 2003.Melvyn The Milk

gwentexiles wrote:
I think people like Mr Bump dont realise this so called region is 50% owned by the WRU. However tell me something why is dropping Gwent Dragons from the name so important to these ghost supporters, they petitioned to get Newport in the name and still didnt attend, they play in their home city but still dont come, they play in Newports home ground but still dont come, what excuse next theyl only come if they play on the green opposite their houses . The fact of the matter is its already branded as Newport and its failed just as it has at the scarlets and blues. Open your eyes and look at the likes of Munster, Leinster and what could be achieved with a true region, there is no argument facts are facts the Newport brand has failed!

Yes your right 50% is owned by the WRU, the other 50% is owned by the GREAT CLUB NEWPORT RFC, this is the only way rugby could stay in the area. You valley people have failed your region,you have brought nothing to the party. you should all be great full to the GREAT CLUB NEWPORT RFC.The only way rugby will survive is to play in the world famous BLACK AND AMBER the crowds will come the money will roll in. Ben theirs a marketing idea.

[quote][p][bold]gwentexiles[/bold] wrote:
I think people like Mr Bump dont realise this so called region is 50% owned by the WRU. However tell me something why is dropping Gwent Dragons from the name so important to these ghost supporters, they petitioned to get Newport in the name and still didnt attend, they play in their home city but still dont come, they play in Newports home ground but still dont come, what excuse next theyl only come if they play on the green opposite their houses . The fact of the matter is its already branded as Newport and its failed just as it has at the scarlets and blues. Open your eyes and look at the likes of Munster, Leinster and what could be achieved with a true region, there is no argument facts are facts the Newport brand has failed![/p][/quote]Yes your right 50% is owned by the WRU, the other 50% is owned by the GREAT CLUB NEWPORT RFC, this is the only way rugby could stay in the area. You valley people have failed your region,you have brought nothing to the party. you should all be great full to the GREAT CLUB NEWPORT RFC.The only way rugby will survive is to play in the world famous BLACK AND AMBER the crowds will come the money will roll in. Ben theirs a marketing idea.Amber in the blood

I would like to understand what the Newport die-hards opinion is for the population of the rest of Gwent - ignore them, or attempt to include them in a Newport brand somehow, and if so, how?

I would like to understand what the Newport die-hards opinion is for the population of the rest of Gwent - ignore them, or attempt to include them in a Newport brand somehow, and if so, how?Dave1234567

Dave1234567 wrote:
I would like to understand what the Newport die-hards opinion is for the population of the rest of Gwent - ignore them, or attempt to include them in a Newport brand somehow, and if so, how?

The rest of Gwent have had ten years to come on board and have chosen not to, simple.

[quote][p][bold]Dave1234567[/bold] wrote:
I would like to understand what the Newport die-hards opinion is for the population of the rest of Gwent - ignore them, or attempt to include them in a Newport brand somehow, and if so, how?[/p][/quote]The rest of Gwent have had ten years to come on board and have chosen not to, simple.blackandamber

This name thing is getting silly. Without adequate funding the region will not thrive , no matter what you call it. I have not seen anyone make a convincing case for changing the region's name to just "Newport" ( or any other name either ).
Would the WRU would allow it anyway ( that 50% stake is there for a reason )? If you can't change it or properly quantify the possible benefits why are we arguing about it?

This name thing is getting silly. Without adequate funding the region will not thrive , no matter what you call it. I have not seen anyone make a convincing case for changing the region's name to just "Newport" ( or any other name either ).
Would the WRU would allow it anyway ( that 50% stake is there for a reason )? If you can't change it or properly quantify the possible benefits why are we arguing about it?silurix

Dave1234567 wrote:
I would like to understand what the Newport die-hards opinion is for the population of the rest of Gwent - ignore them, or attempt to include them in a Newport brand somehow, and if so, how?

The rest of Gwent have had ten years to come on board and have chosen not to, simple.

Thanks for the reply, but that wasn't my question.
The only thing that seems to be agreed at the moment is that NGD is not integrated - people outside Newport claim it's only for Newport, people in Newport claim the reverse.

My question for the Newport aficionados is whether their proposal is for the rest of Gwent - should they be ignored or included. If they should be included, how?

[quote][p][bold]blackandamber[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Dave1234567[/bold] wrote:
I would like to understand what the Newport die-hards opinion is for the population of the rest of Gwent - ignore them, or attempt to include them in a Newport brand somehow, and if so, how?[/p][/quote]The rest of Gwent have had ten years to come on board and have chosen not to, simple.[/p][/quote]Thanks for the reply, but that wasn't my question.
The only thing that seems to be agreed at the moment is that NGD is not integrated - people outside Newport claim it's only for Newport, people in Newport claim the reverse.
My question for the Newport aficionados is whether their proposal is for the rest of Gwent - should they be ignored or included. If they should be included, how?Dave1234567

Sooooo frustrated at the whole situation at Rodney Parade. I would buy 4 season tickets for 2014-15 for me and my family if they went back to Newport RFC., or something close.

11 seasons of Dragons identity crisis, and they are still too stupid to realise the answers are staring them in the face.

Now IS the best time to have a complete u-turn on identity, while they renegotiate the Participation Agreement.

Time for Hazell, Brown et al to use a bit of common sense. People that enjoy rugby in the valleys already follow their own sides, they don't have the time nor the money/inclination for watching two!

Sooooo frustrated at the whole situation at Rodney Parade. I would buy 4 season tickets for 2014-15 for me and my family if they went back to Newport RFC., or something close.
11 seasons of Dragons identity crisis, and they are still too stupid to realise the answers are staring them in the face.
Now IS the best time to have a complete u-turn on identity, while they renegotiate the Participation Agreement.
Time for Hazell, Brown et al to use a bit of common sense. People that enjoy rugby in the valleys already follow their own sides, they don't have the time nor the money/inclination for watching two!Gooding

Dave1234567 wrote:
I would like to understand what the Newport die-hards opinion is for the population of the rest of Gwent - ignore them, or attempt to include them in a Newport brand somehow, and if so, how?

The rest of Gwent have had ten years to come on board and have chosen not to, simple.

Thanks for the reply, but that wasn't my question.
The only thing that seems to be agreed at the moment is that NGD is not integrated - people outside Newport claim it's only for Newport, people in Newport claim the reverse.

My question for the Newport aficionados is whether their proposal is for the rest of Gwent - should they be ignored or included. If they should be included, how?

They can support NEWPORT. If they don't want to, then can do what i have done for the last 8 years. Don't watch professional club rugby. Mind you they aren't supporting it now, so it doesn't make any difference.

[quote][p][bold]Dave1234567[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]blackandamber[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Dave1234567[/bold] wrote:
I would like to understand what the Newport die-hards opinion is for the population of the rest of Gwent - ignore them, or attempt to include them in a Newport brand somehow, and if so, how?[/p][/quote]The rest of Gwent have had ten years to come on board and have chosen not to, simple.[/p][/quote]Thanks for the reply, but that wasn't my question.
The only thing that seems to be agreed at the moment is that NGD is not integrated - people outside Newport claim it's only for Newport, people in Newport claim the reverse.
My question for the Newport aficionados is whether their proposal is for the rest of Gwent - should they be ignored or included. If they should be included, how?[/p][/quote]They can support NEWPORT. If they don't want to, then can do what i have done for the last 8 years. Don't watch professional club rugby. Mind you they aren't supporting it now, so it doesn't make any difference.Mr Bump.

The Newport people want it to be just Newport, the valley people don't want Newport involved. All the money that has been invested has come from within the Newport compass, there has been plenty of time for people outside of Newport to get involved but they just want to sit back and moan that no-one is doing anything for them.
lt is not practical to have a "regional" team in this area without Newport being involved, so, as that is not acceptable to those north of the town the solution is to revert to Newport. If it is successful, supporters will turn up, if not, the whole thing will collapse for good.
l'm fed up with the arguements, the whole thing has been a dog's breakfast from the start and the rugby supporters in the whole of Wales have been the ones to suffer. If the whole idea was to kill off rugby throughout Wales they seem to have managed it.

The Newport people want it to be just Newport, the valley people don't want Newport involved. All the money that has been invested has come from within the Newport compass, there has been plenty of time for people outside of Newport to get involved but they just want to sit back and moan that no-one is doing anything for them.
lt is not practical to have a "regional" team in this area without Newport being involved, so, as that is not acceptable to those north of the town the solution is to revert to Newport. If it is successful, supporters will turn up, if not, the whole thing will collapse for good.
l'm fed up with the arguements, the whole thing has been a dog's breakfast from the start and the rugby supporters in the whole of Wales have been the ones to suffer. If the whole idea was to kill off rugby throughout Wales they seem to have managed it.SWBorderer

So you should be !!!! You have no ground suitable to play on in the valleys so being 'great full' is no more that we expect. Until you valley people realize without the GREAT CLUB NEWPORT RFC you would have no rugby.
"YOU HAVE NOTHING TO OFFER REGIONAL RUGBY "

[quote][p][bold]Melvyn The Milk[/bold] wrote:
We are very 'great full' indeed..........[/p][/quote]So you should be !!!! You have no ground suitable to play on in the valleys so being 'great full' is no more that we expect. Until you valley people realize without the GREAT CLUB NEWPORT RFC you would have no rugby.
"YOU HAVE NOTHING TO OFFER REGIONAL RUGBY "Amber in the blood

Mr Bump. wrote:
Members of the board are frustrated at the debacle and while they acknowledge the need to establish a proper direction over their identity they feel the time is wrong for that particular debate.

No this is the perfect time to discuss it, it's a real possibility that they will finish bottom of the league. They are going to need new people coming through the gate. Drop the Gwent Dragons rubbish, call them Newport RFC, and you will get 3 season tickets bought from my house straight away.

and thats the reason they have limited support from outside of newport .because they are newport and not gwent .and they never make any attempt to embrace gwent .yet gwent rugby and its supporters have seen theyre clubs lose every thing..i wont lose no sleep over newport and would much rather watch cross keys ebbw vale pontypool or even cardiff come to that .let newport swill in its own self assumed status as its not representative of gwent rugby

[quote][p][bold]Mr Bump.[/bold] wrote:
Members of the board are frustrated at the debacle and while they acknowledge the need to establish a proper direction over their identity they feel the time is wrong for that particular debate.
No this is the perfect time to discuss it, it's a real possibility that they will finish bottom of the league. They are going to need new people coming through the gate. Drop the Gwent Dragons rubbish, call them Newport RFC, and you will get 3 season tickets bought from my house straight away.[/p][/quote]and thats the reason they have limited support from outside of newport .because they are newport and not gwent .and they never make any attempt to embrace gwent .yet gwent rugby and its supporters have seen theyre clubs lose every thing..i wont lose no sleep over newport and would much rather watch cross keys ebbw vale pontypool or even cardiff come to that .let newport swill in its own self assumed status as its not representative of gwent rugbyjimmysmith

People are looking through rose coloured specs if they think changing the name to newport would bring more fans and success. Those who say they would buy a season ticket if it were newport would only replace the fans who currently come from outside who would stop going due to the name change. It is the 21st century and rugby has moved on since the amateur days of the merit table! Look at the players that have come from outside of Newport into the team! If Newport stood alone then the likes of Faletau would be free to choose another region to play for instead. The Ospreys dropped the Neath Swansea part and now it's time for the dragons to drop the Newport gwent as most of the current season ticket holders would still go (with many chanting dragons or singing stand up for the men of gwent!) and maybe more would too. Besides the next generation of supporters will only want to see the best players and won't really be interested in the historical aspects. There are far more burning issues in welsh rugby than silly 'cut my nose off to spite my face' over the name that we should be worrying about because regardless of the name with players leaving wales the standard would be dire and no one would go whatever the teams are called.

People are looking through rose coloured specs if they think changing the name to newport would bring more fans and success. Those who say they would buy a season ticket if it were newport would only replace the fans who currently come from outside who would stop going due to the name change. It is the 21st century and rugby has moved on since the amateur days of the merit table! Look at the players that have come from outside of Newport into the team! If Newport stood alone then the likes of Faletau would be free to choose another region to play for instead. The Ospreys dropped the Neath Swansea part and now it's time for the dragons to drop the Newport gwent as most of the current season ticket holders would still go (with many chanting dragons or singing stand up for the men of gwent!) and maybe more would too. Besides the next generation of supporters will only want to see the best players and won't really be interested in the historical aspects. There are far more burning issues in welsh rugby than silly 'cut my nose off to spite my face' over the name that we should be worrying about because regardless of the name with players leaving wales the standard would be dire and no one would go whatever the teams are called.Welshman76

Welshman76 wrote:
People are looking through rose coloured specs if they think changing the name to newport would bring more fans and success. Those who say they would buy a season ticket if it were newport would only replace the fans who currently come from outside who would stop going due to the name change. It is the 21st century and rugby has moved on since the amateur days of the merit table! Look at the players that have come from outside of Newport into the team! If Newport stood alone then the likes of Faletau would be free to choose another region to play for instead. The Ospreys dropped the Neath Swansea part and now it's time for the dragons to drop the Newport gwent as most of the current season ticket holders would still go (with many chanting dragons or singing stand up for the men of gwent!) and maybe more would too. Besides the next generation of supporters will only want to see the best players and won't really be interested in the historical aspects. There are far more burning issues in welsh rugby than silly 'cut my nose off to spite my face' over the name that we should be worrying about because regardless of the name with players leaving wales the standard would be dire and no one would go whatever the teams are called.

You're pretty ill-informed at best. You would probably be surprised to see how many ST holders there were from outside of Newport prior to 'Regional' Rugby. Newport historically was always a regional club, in the same way that Cardiff and Llanelli were/are. The best players usually gravitated down the valley to the BIG club. Newport struggled for a couple of decades a they remained amateur whilst others were paying. I assume you are late 30's judging by your posting identity so will forgive you your lack of insight as you probably grew up during an 'artificial playing field' period in Welsh rugby history. What I can also suggest is that marketing Newport RFC to potential investors would be a **** sight easier than NGD's. History, like it or not, plays a huge part in all if this and is vital to rugby on the future in this area.

[quote][p][bold]Welshman76[/bold] wrote:
People are looking through rose coloured specs if they think changing the name to newport would bring more fans and success. Those who say they would buy a season ticket if it were newport would only replace the fans who currently come from outside who would stop going due to the name change. It is the 21st century and rugby has moved on since the amateur days of the merit table! Look at the players that have come from outside of Newport into the team! If Newport stood alone then the likes of Faletau would be free to choose another region to play for instead. The Ospreys dropped the Neath Swansea part and now it's time for the dragons to drop the Newport gwent as most of the current season ticket holders would still go (with many chanting dragons or singing stand up for the men of gwent!) and maybe more would too. Besides the next generation of supporters will only want to see the best players and won't really be interested in the historical aspects. There are far more burning issues in welsh rugby than silly 'cut my nose off to spite my face' over the name that we should be worrying about because regardless of the name with players leaving wales the standard would be dire and no one would go whatever the teams are called.[/p][/quote]You're pretty ill-informed at best. You would probably be surprised to see how many ST holders there were from outside of Newport prior to 'Regional' Rugby. Newport historically was always a regional club, in the same way that Cardiff and Llanelli were/are. The best players usually gravitated down the valley to the BIG club. Newport struggled for a couple of decades a they remained amateur whilst others were paying. I assume you are late 30's judging by your posting identity so will forgive you your lack of insight as you probably grew up during an 'artificial playing field' period in Welsh rugby history. What I can also suggest is that marketing Newport RFC to potential investors would be a **** sight easier than NGD's. History, like it or not, plays a huge part in all if this and is vital to rugby on the future in this area.Gooding

I think most know why we ended up with the current name. It started as Gwent Dragons and there were only 26 season tickets sold so the "Newport" got tacked back on a bit quick. There has been alot of water under the bridge since then. I think alot of fans have moved on and some have turned their back but, until they get the product right on the pitch, they can't risk losing any more support by removing "Newport" from the name. Start winning matches, play attractive rugby and people will support them. How many Man U supporters are from Manchester? Continue as they are and they have to rely on the 4k or so diehards of which I am one I have to say.

I think most know why we ended up with the current name. It started as Gwent Dragons and there were only 26 season tickets sold so the "Newport" got tacked back on a bit quick. There has been alot of water under the bridge since then. I think alot of fans have moved on and some have turned their back but, until they get the product right on the pitch, they can't risk losing any more support by removing "Newport" from the name. Start winning matches, play attractive rugby and people will support them. How many Man U supporters are from Manchester? Continue as they are and they have to rely on the 4k or so diehards of which I am one I have to say.Euwan Usami

So you should be !!!! You have no ground suitable to play on in the valleys so being 'great full' is no more that we expect. Until you valley people realize without the GREAT CLUB NEWPORT RFC you would have no rugby.
&quot;YOU HAVE NOTHING TO OFFER REGIONAL RUGBY "

Except all your playing and coaching staff.

[quote][p][bold]Amber in the blood[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Melvyn The Milk[/bold] wrote:
We are very 'great full' indeed..........[/p][/quote]So you should be !!!! You have no ground suitable to play on in the valleys so being 'great full' is no more that we expect. Until you valley people realize without the GREAT CLUB NEWPORT RFC you would have no rugby.
"YOU HAVE NOTHING TO OFFER REGIONAL RUGBY "[/p][/quote]Except all your playing and coaching staff.Melvyn The Milk

The Ospreys are Swansea, The Scarlets are Llanelli, the Blues are Cardiff. Don't pretend any different
IF the Dragons are called Dragons or Newport the link to success is a WINNING team
A WINNING team will get people to the game whatever the name

The Ospreys are Swansea, The Scarlets are Llanelli, the Blues are Cardiff. Don't pretend any different
IF the Dragons are called Dragons or Newport the link to success is a WINNING team
A WINNING team will get people to the game whatever the nameKeith Barnett

Welshman76 wrote:
People are looking through rose coloured specs if they think changing the name to newport would bring more fans and success. Those who say they would buy a season ticket if it were newport would only replace the fans who currently come from outside who would stop going due to the name change. It is the 21st century and rugby has moved on since the amateur days of the merit table! Look at the players that have come from outside of Newport into the team! If Newport stood alone then the likes of Faletau would be free to choose another region to play for instead. The Ospreys dropped the Neath Swansea part and now it's time for the dragons to drop the Newport gwent as most of the current season ticket holders would still go (with many chanting dragons or singing stand up for the men of gwent!) and maybe more would too. Besides the next generation of supporters will only want to see the best players and won't really be interested in the historical aspects. There are far more burning issues in welsh rugby than silly 'cut my nose off to spite my face' over the name that we should be worrying about because regardless of the name with players leaving wales the standard would be dire and no one would go whatever the teams are called.

You're pretty ill-informed at best. You would probably be surprised to see how many ST holders there were from outside of Newport prior to 'Regional' Rugby. Newport historically was always a regional club, in the same way that Cardiff and Llanelli were/are. The best players usually gravitated down the valley to the BIG club. Newport struggled for a couple of decades a they remained amateur whilst others were paying. I assume you are late 30's judging by your posting identity so will forgive you your lack of insight as you probably grew up during an 'artificial playing field' period in Welsh rugby history. What I can also suggest is that marketing Newport RFC to potential investors would be a **** sight easier than NGD's. History, like it or not, plays a huge part in all if this and is vital to rugby on the future in this area.

Not ill informed at all. If all the best players gravitated to newport why did some of the best players stay at Pontypool? I may not be old enough to remember it myself but people bang on about the ponty front row etc. I wouldn't have thought many people from ebbw vale or Pontypool were newport season ticket holders, maybe from caldicot, risca, caerleon but not from the whole area that the dragons represent!

[quote][p][bold]Gooding[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Welshman76[/bold] wrote:
People are looking through rose coloured specs if they think changing the name to newport would bring more fans and success. Those who say they would buy a season ticket if it were newport would only replace the fans who currently come from outside who would stop going due to the name change. It is the 21st century and rugby has moved on since the amateur days of the merit table! Look at the players that have come from outside of Newport into the team! If Newport stood alone then the likes of Faletau would be free to choose another region to play for instead. The Ospreys dropped the Neath Swansea part and now it's time for the dragons to drop the Newport gwent as most of the current season ticket holders would still go (with many chanting dragons or singing stand up for the men of gwent!) and maybe more would too. Besides the next generation of supporters will only want to see the best players and won't really be interested in the historical aspects. There are far more burning issues in welsh rugby than silly 'cut my nose off to spite my face' over the name that we should be worrying about because regardless of the name with players leaving wales the standard would be dire and no one would go whatever the teams are called.[/p][/quote]You're pretty ill-informed at best. You would probably be surprised to see how many ST holders there were from outside of Newport prior to 'Regional' Rugby. Newport historically was always a regional club, in the same way that Cardiff and Llanelli were/are. The best players usually gravitated down the valley to the BIG club. Newport struggled for a couple of decades a they remained amateur whilst others were paying. I assume you are late 30's judging by your posting identity so will forgive you your lack of insight as you probably grew up during an 'artificial playing field' period in Welsh rugby history. What I can also suggest is that marketing Newport RFC to potential investors would be a **** sight easier than NGD's. History, like it or not, plays a huge part in all if this and is vital to rugby on the future in this area.[/p][/quote]Not ill informed at all. If all the best players gravitated to newport why did some of the best players stay at Pontypool? I may not be old enough to remember it myself but people bang on about the ponty front row etc. I wouldn't have thought many people from ebbw vale or Pontypool were newport season ticket holders, maybe from caldicot, risca, caerleon but not from the whole area that the dragons represent!Welshman76

The way I look at it, a club/region has three types of fans; the die hard supporter, the casual fan and the glory hunter.
The die hard supporter will make an effort to attend as many games as possible, support the club/region through thick and thin and have a genuine interest in the future and direction of the club/region.
The casual fan will go to a few games with their mates, occasionally check the results and will have a passing interest in the politics of the club/region.
And now the glory hunter, often lauded as the lowest of the low, but take a few moments to think; that without the success these fans crave a club/region will never gain the opportunity to present themself to a new fan, this fan could grow and learn to become part of a family of supporters; a die hard fan.

The name given to a club/region has little to do with attracting new support, success does. The name may alienate a limited number of potential fans but success opens the door to a much higher number of potential season ticket holders.

I am a Newport man, born and raised. A Newport RFC fan, a Newport Gwent Dragons fan, a Wales fan and a fan of the game. Notice a succession? This is not to say that any one faction is more important than the other, rather that without the foundations the game can not prosper.

When Newport RFC play, I am a Newport Fan. When the Newport Gwent Dragons play, I am a Dragons fan and when Wales play I am a Wales fan. I'd like to think that this would be the case if I were from Ebbw Vale, Pontypool or Cross Keys. Club, Region and Nation, the way it should be.

The way I look at it, a club/region has three types of fans; the die hard supporter, the casual fan and the glory hunter.
The die hard supporter will make an effort to attend as many games as possible, support the club/region through thick and thin and have a genuine interest in the future and direction of the club/region.
The casual fan will go to a few games with their mates, occasionally check the results and will have a passing interest in the politics of the club/region.
And now the glory hunter, often lauded as the lowest of the low, but take a few moments to think; that without the success these fans crave a club/region will never gain the opportunity to present themself to a new fan, this fan could grow and learn to become part of a family of supporters; a die hard fan.
The name given to a club/region has little to do with attracting new support, success does. The name may alienate a limited number of potential fans but success opens the door to a much higher number of potential season ticket holders.
I am a Newport man, born and raised. A Newport RFC fan, a Newport Gwent Dragons fan, a Wales fan and a fan of the game. Notice a succession? This is not to say that any one faction is more important than the other, rather that without the foundations the game can not prosper.
When Newport RFC play, I am a Newport Fan. When the Newport Gwent Dragons play, I am a Dragons fan and when Wales play I am a Wales fan. I'd like to think that this would be the case if I were from Ebbw Vale, Pontypool or Cross Keys. Club, Region and Nation, the way it should be.pointsmakeprizes

Welshman76 wrote:
People are looking through rose coloured specs if they think changing the name to newport would bring more fans and success. Those who say they would buy a season ticket if it were newport would only replace the fans who currently come from outside who would stop going due to the name change. It is the 21st century and rugby has moved on since the amateur days of the merit table! Look at the players that have come from outside of Newport into the team! If Newport stood alone then the likes of Faletau would be free to choose another region to play for instead. The Ospreys dropped the Neath Swansea part and now it's time for the dragons to drop the Newport gwent as most of the current season ticket holders would still go (with many chanting dragons or singing stand up for the men of gwent!) and maybe more would too. Besides the next generation of supporters will only want to see the best players and won't really be interested in the historical aspects. There are far more burning issues in welsh rugby than silly 'cut my nose off to spite my face' over the name that we should be worrying about because regardless of the name with players leaving wales the standard would be dire and no one would go whatever the teams are called.

Why would Newport standing alone mean that Faletau would be "free to pick another region"? He's contracted.

[quote][p][bold]Welshman76[/bold] wrote:
People are looking through rose coloured specs if they think changing the name to newport would bring more fans and success. Those who say they would buy a season ticket if it were newport would only replace the fans who currently come from outside who would stop going due to the name change. It is the 21st century and rugby has moved on since the amateur days of the merit table! Look at the players that have come from outside of Newport into the team! If Newport stood alone then the likes of Faletau would be free to choose another region to play for instead. The Ospreys dropped the Neath Swansea part and now it's time for the dragons to drop the Newport gwent as most of the current season ticket holders would still go (with many chanting dragons or singing stand up for the men of gwent!) and maybe more would too. Besides the next generation of supporters will only want to see the best players and won't really be interested in the historical aspects. There are far more burning issues in welsh rugby than silly 'cut my nose off to spite my face' over the name that we should be worrying about because regardless of the name with players leaving wales the standard would be dire and no one would go whatever the teams are called.[/p][/quote]Why would Newport standing alone mean that Faletau would be "free to pick another region"? He's contracted.The People's Republic of Newp

keithbob wrote:
all you hear is dragons dragons,when they run towards the hazell before the start of the game and during the game.so what the hell is wrong with just calling us DRAGONS?.simples!

Because its dreadful, unimaginative, homogenous dross. If there has to be a silly moniker, then have something that resonates, like Siurians, Usksiders or Bowmen, a name that links the franchise to the local AND historical, not one borne of a typical, superficial, shallow, obvious harking to all things Wales.

As my name suggests, I want a Newport stand alone, no question, but this last 11 years has wore me down, and frankly, things move on. However the fact remains that issues of identity beset this 'region', and need to be resolved. I am still, after 11 years, frequently agitated when individuals choose to ignore the fact that Newport RFC as it was continues to exclusively underpin the regional team and that the 50% share held by WRU seems to have no discernible impact on that arrangement. It certainly hasn't led to additional investment above and beyond the central monies it disburses on a central basis under the Participation Agreement, so what value - as a business partner in the truest of senses - does it really add? I'm going for near or at the 'negligible' mark.

I want Newport back, with a moniker if needs be, playing in black and amber, but given rampant parochialism, typical south-east Wales chippiness, the obsessive powerlust displayed by certain parties in certain administrations, and an unwillingness to acknowledge certain structural realities, means that's not likely to happen. Disgracefully.

But I miss watching rugby and would dearly love to get behind pro rugby again. And the fact is, I can't as it stands. And nor, I'm going to wager, are many, many, many like me, who are alienated by arrangements. But like I said, I want to watch pro rugby.

I pray for Hazell and Lewis and other board directors to have the courage to be brave enough and say we need to try something new. And something new could just convince naysayers like myself. Old(er) age has taught me (a degree) of compromise, as I'm sure it has most others. If 'Gwent' truly isn't going anywhere, then a revisiting of other aspects could just convince me: Newport Gwent Bowmen playing in black, amber and white only might just do it for me (even though, as I type, I desperately wish to erase 'Gwent'). Please, no more red, it has no association with the ground.

But the most important matter, NEVER addressed, remains, the 50% WRU share, something that simply has to hinder more than help. It might be that it has expedited the likes of Appleyard moving to RP, and could even pave the way for Adam Jones, if he does indeed sign a central contract, but ultimately the sports business like any other is exclusively concerned with the maximising of revenue streams (profit being a non-starter). The 50/50 Newport/WRU set-up renders the benefactor required to financially contribute, exclusively, while not having the legal means to wholly shape the outfit's destiny.

Would you go into business, using your cash and your cash alone, to then undertake all day-to-day management, using your own resources, land and real estate, to cede a veto to a business partner who has no discernible financial contribution to offer? Strikes me as perverse and nonsensical. (And its that that then has me wanting Newport Black and Ambers and nothing else!!).

At the very least, the WRU should have the courage to gift its shares and voting rights to the only 'partner' (some might say, according to this analysis, patsy) willing and able, and available, for the past 11 years to operate an enterprise. They don't even have to say thank you.

[quote][p][bold]keithbob[/bold] wrote:
all you hear is dragons dragons,when they run towards the hazell before the start of the game and during the game.so what the hell is wrong with just calling us DRAGONS?.simples![/p][/quote]Because its dreadful, unimaginative, homogenous dross. If there has to be a silly moniker, then have something that resonates, like Siurians, Usksiders or Bowmen, a name that links the franchise to the local AND historical, not one borne of a typical, superficial, shallow, obvious harking to all things Wales.
As my name suggests, I want a Newport stand alone, no question, but this last 11 years has wore me down, and frankly, things move on. However the fact remains that issues of identity beset this 'region', and need to be resolved. I am still, after 11 years, frequently agitated when individuals choose to ignore the fact that Newport RFC as it was continues to exclusively underpin the regional team and that the 50% share held by WRU seems to have no discernible impact on that arrangement. It certainly hasn't led to additional investment above and beyond the central monies it disburses on a central basis under the Participation Agreement, so what value - as a business partner in the truest of senses - does it really add? I'm going for near or at the 'negligible' mark.
I want Newport back, with a moniker if needs be, playing in black and amber, but given rampant parochialism, typical south-east Wales chippiness, the obsessive powerlust displayed by certain parties in certain administrations, and an unwillingness to acknowledge certain structural realities, means that's not likely to happen. Disgracefully.
But I miss watching rugby and would dearly love to get behind pro rugby again. And the fact is, I can't as it stands. And nor, I'm going to wager, are many, many, many like me, who are alienated by arrangements. But like I said, I want to watch pro rugby.
I pray for Hazell and Lewis and other board directors to have the courage to be brave enough and say we need to try something new. And something new could just convince naysayers like myself. Old(er) age has taught me (a degree) of compromise, as I'm sure it has most others. If 'Gwent' truly isn't going anywhere, then a revisiting of other aspects could just convince me: Newport Gwent Bowmen playing in black, amber and white only might just do it for me (even though, as I type, I desperately wish to erase 'Gwent'). Please, no more red, it has no association with the ground.
But the most important matter, NEVER addressed, remains, the 50% WRU share, something that simply has to hinder more than help. It might be that it has expedited the likes of Appleyard moving to RP, and could even pave the way for Adam Jones, if he does indeed sign a central contract, but ultimately the sports business like any other is exclusively concerned with the maximising of revenue streams (profit being a non-starter). The 50/50 Newport/WRU set-up renders the benefactor required to financially contribute, exclusively, while not having the legal means to wholly shape the outfit's destiny.
Would you go into business, using your cash and your cash alone, to then undertake all day-to-day management, using your own resources, land and real estate, to cede a veto to a business partner who has no discernible financial contribution to offer? Strikes me as perverse and nonsensical. (And its that that then has me wanting Newport Black and Ambers and nothing else!!).
At the very least, the WRU should have the courage to gift its shares and voting rights to the only 'partner' (some might say, according to this analysis, patsy) willing and able, and available, for the past 11 years to operate an enterprise. They don't even have to say thank you.The People's Republic of Newp

So you should be !!!! You have no ground suitable to play on in the valleys so being 'great full' is no more that we expect. Until you valley people realize without the GREAT CLUB NEWPORT RFC you would have no rugby.
&quot;YOU HAVE NOTHING TO OFFER REGIONAL RUGBY "

Except all your playing and coaching staff.

Melvyn.........Your comment says it all,but don't forget the Cwmafan ( that's down west i think llanelly way ) boy Lyn the lip Jones who spent 5 years at the O's spent lots of money and failed. As he will with Newport,

[quote][p][bold]Melvyn The Milk[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Amber in the blood[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Melvyn The Milk[/bold] wrote:
We are very 'great full' indeed..........[/p][/quote]So you should be !!!! You have no ground suitable to play on in the valleys so being 'great full' is no more that we expect. Until you valley people realize without the GREAT CLUB NEWPORT RFC you would have no rugby.
"YOU HAVE NOTHING TO OFFER REGIONAL RUGBY "[/p][/quote]Except all your playing and coaching staff.[/p][/quote]Melvyn.........Your comment says it all,but don't forget the Cwmafan ( that's down west i think llanelly way ) boy Lyn the lip Jones who spent 5 years at the O's spent lots of money and failed. As he will with Newport,Amber in the blood

Welshman76 wrote:
People are looking through rose coloured specs if they think changing the name to newport would bring more fans and success. Those who say they would buy a season ticket if it were newport would only replace the fans who currently come from outside who would stop going due to the name change. It is the 21st century and rugby has moved on since the amateur days of the merit table! Look at the players that have come from outside of Newport into the team! If Newport stood alone then the likes of Faletau would be free to choose another region to play for instead. The Ospreys dropped the Neath Swansea part and now it's time for the dragons to drop the Newport gwent as most of the current season ticket holders would still go (with many chanting dragons or singing stand up for the men of gwent!) and maybe more would too. Besides the next generation of supporters will only want to see the best players and won't really be interested in the historical aspects. There are far more burning issues in welsh rugby than silly 'cut my nose off to spite my face' over the name that we should be worrying about because regardless of the name with players leaving wales the standard would be dire and no one would go whatever the teams are called.

Why would Newport standing alone mean that Faletau would be &quot;free to pick another region"? He's contracted.

Neath and Swansea were both bankrupt. Neath were saved by the WRU in any other business they would have ceased to exist.

[quote][p][bold]The People's Republic of Newp[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Welshman76[/bold] wrote:
People are looking through rose coloured specs if they think changing the name to newport would bring more fans and success. Those who say they would buy a season ticket if it were newport would only replace the fans who currently come from outside who would stop going due to the name change. It is the 21st century and rugby has moved on since the amateur days of the merit table! Look at the players that have come from outside of Newport into the team! If Newport stood alone then the likes of Faletau would be free to choose another region to play for instead. The Ospreys dropped the Neath Swansea part and now it's time for the dragons to drop the Newport gwent as most of the current season ticket holders would still go (with many chanting dragons or singing stand up for the men of gwent!) and maybe more would too. Besides the next generation of supporters will only want to see the best players and won't really be interested in the historical aspects. There are far more burning issues in welsh rugby than silly 'cut my nose off to spite my face' over the name that we should be worrying about because regardless of the name with players leaving wales the standard would be dire and no one would go whatever the teams are called.[/p][/quote]Why would Newport standing alone mean that Faletau would be "free to pick another region"? He's contracted.[/p][/quote]Neath and Swansea were both bankrupt. Neath were saved by the WRU in any other business they would have ceased to exist.blackandamber

keithbob wrote:
all you hear is dragons dragons,when they run towards the hazell before the start of the game and during the game.so what the hell is wrong with just calling us DRAGONS?.simples!

Because its dreadful, unimaginative, homogenous dross. If there has to be a silly moniker, then have something that resonates, like Siurians, Usksiders or Bowmen, a name that links the franchise to the local AND historical, not one borne of a typical, superficial, shallow, obvious harking to all things Wales.

As my name suggests, I want a Newport stand alone, no question, but this last 11 years has wore me down, and frankly, things move on. However the fact remains that issues of identity beset this 'region', and need to be resolved. I am still, after 11 years, frequently agitated when individuals choose to ignore the fact that Newport RFC as it was continues to exclusively underpin the regional team and that the 50% share held by WRU seems to have no discernible impact on that arrangement. It certainly hasn't led to additional investment above and beyond the central monies it disburses on a central basis under the Participation Agreement, so what value - as a business partner in the truest of senses - does it really add? I'm going for near or at the 'negligible' mark.

I want Newport back, with a moniker if needs be, playing in black and amber, but given rampant parochialism, typical south-east Wales chippiness, the obsessive powerlust displayed by certain parties in certain administrations, and an unwillingness to acknowledge certain structural realities, means that's not likely to happen. Disgracefully.

But I miss watching rugby and would dearly love to get behind pro rugby again. And the fact is, I can't as it stands. And nor, I'm going to wager, are many, many, many like me, who are alienated by arrangements. But like I said, I want to watch pro rugby.

I pray for Hazell and Lewis and other board directors to have the courage to be brave enough and say we need to try something new. And something new could just convince naysayers like myself. Old(er) age has taught me (a degree) of compromise, as I'm sure it has most others. If 'Gwent' truly isn't going anywhere, then a revisiting of other aspects could just convince me: Newport Gwent Bowmen playing in black, amber and white only might just do it for me (even though, as I type, I desperately wish to erase 'Gwent'). Please, no more red, it has no association with the ground.

But the most important matter, NEVER addressed, remains, the 50% WRU share, something that simply has to hinder more than help. It might be that it has expedited the likes of Appleyard moving to RP, and could even pave the way for Adam Jones, if he does indeed sign a central contract, but ultimately the sports business like any other is exclusively concerned with the maximising of revenue streams (profit being a non-starter). The 50/50 Newport/WRU set-up renders the benefactor required to financially contribute, exclusively, while not having the legal means to wholly shape the outfit's destiny.

Would you go into business, using your cash and your cash alone, to then undertake all day-to-day management, using your own resources, land and real estate, to cede a veto to a business partner who has no discernible financial contribution to offer? Strikes me as perverse and nonsensical. (And its that that then has me wanting Newport Black and Ambers and nothing else!!).

At the very least, the WRU should have the courage to gift its shares and voting rights to the only 'partner' (some might say, according to this analysis, patsy) willing and able, and available, for the past 11 years to operate an enterprise. They don't even have to say thank you.

Newport Gwent Bowmen? Think you can be sure you represent a minority with that one. I agree the regional game and rebranding left alot behind but many have just moved on now. Even at their lowest ebb the Dragons can draw 4k plus. If they won every week it would much higher. Opinion will always be split over the name, though I honestly think the majority are more concerned about the performances nowadays.

[quote][p][bold]The People's Republic of Newp[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]keithbob[/bold] wrote:
all you hear is dragons dragons,when they run towards the hazell before the start of the game and during the game.so what the hell is wrong with just calling us DRAGONS?.simples![/p][/quote]Because its dreadful, unimaginative, homogenous dross. If there has to be a silly moniker, then have something that resonates, like Siurians, Usksiders or Bowmen, a name that links the franchise to the local AND historical, not one borne of a typical, superficial, shallow, obvious harking to all things Wales.
As my name suggests, I want a Newport stand alone, no question, but this last 11 years has wore me down, and frankly, things move on. However the fact remains that issues of identity beset this 'region', and need to be resolved. I am still, after 11 years, frequently agitated when individuals choose to ignore the fact that Newport RFC as it was continues to exclusively underpin the regional team and that the 50% share held by WRU seems to have no discernible impact on that arrangement. It certainly hasn't led to additional investment above and beyond the central monies it disburses on a central basis under the Participation Agreement, so what value - as a business partner in the truest of senses - does it really add? I'm going for near or at the 'negligible' mark.
I want Newport back, with a moniker if needs be, playing in black and amber, but given rampant parochialism, typical south-east Wales chippiness, the obsessive powerlust displayed by certain parties in certain administrations, and an unwillingness to acknowledge certain structural realities, means that's not likely to happen. Disgracefully.
But I miss watching rugby and would dearly love to get behind pro rugby again. And the fact is, I can't as it stands. And nor, I'm going to wager, are many, many, many like me, who are alienated by arrangements. But like I said, I want to watch pro rugby.
I pray for Hazell and Lewis and other board directors to have the courage to be brave enough and say we need to try something new. And something new could just convince naysayers like myself. Old(er) age has taught me (a degree) of compromise, as I'm sure it has most others. If 'Gwent' truly isn't going anywhere, then a revisiting of other aspects could just convince me: Newport Gwent Bowmen playing in black, amber and white only might just do it for me (even though, as I type, I desperately wish to erase 'Gwent'). Please, no more red, it has no association with the ground.
But the most important matter, NEVER addressed, remains, the 50% WRU share, something that simply has to hinder more than help. It might be that it has expedited the likes of Appleyard moving to RP, and could even pave the way for Adam Jones, if he does indeed sign a central contract, but ultimately the sports business like any other is exclusively concerned with the maximising of revenue streams (profit being a non-starter). The 50/50 Newport/WRU set-up renders the benefactor required to financially contribute, exclusively, while not having the legal means to wholly shape the outfit's destiny.
Would you go into business, using your cash and your cash alone, to then undertake all day-to-day management, using your own resources, land and real estate, to cede a veto to a business partner who has no discernible financial contribution to offer? Strikes me as perverse and nonsensical. (And its that that then has me wanting Newport Black and Ambers and nothing else!!).
At the very least, the WRU should have the courage to gift its shares and voting rights to the only 'partner' (some might say, according to this analysis, patsy) willing and able, and available, for the past 11 years to operate an enterprise. They don't even have to say thank you.[/p][/quote]Newport Gwent Bowmen? Think you can be sure you represent a minority with that one. I agree the regional game and rebranding left alot behind but many have just moved on now. Even at their lowest ebb the Dragons can draw 4k plus. If they won every week it would much higher. Opinion will always be split over the name, though I honestly think the majority are more concerned about the performances nowadays.Euwan Usami

keithbob wrote:
all you hear is dragons dragons,when they run towards the hazell before the start of the game and during the game.so what the hell is wrong with just calling us DRAGONS?.simples!

Because its dreadful, unimaginative, homogenous dross. If there has to be a silly moniker, then have something that resonates, like Siurians, Usksiders or Bowmen, a name that links the franchise to the local AND historical, not one borne of a typical, superficial, shallow, obvious harking to all things Wales.

As my name suggests, I want a Newport stand alone, no question, but this last 11 years has wore me down, and frankly, things move on. However the fact remains that issues of identity beset this 'region', and need to be resolved. I am still, after 11 years, frequently agitated when individuals choose to ignore the fact that Newport RFC as it was continues to exclusively underpin the regional team and that the 50% share held by WRU seems to have no discernible impact on that arrangement. It certainly hasn't led to additional investment above and beyond the central monies it disburses on a central basis under the Participation Agreement, so what value - as a business partner in the truest of senses - does it really add? I'm going for near or at the 'negligible' mark.

I want Newport back, with a moniker if needs be, playing in black and amber, but given rampant parochialism, typical south-east Wales chippiness, the obsessive powerlust displayed by certain parties in certain administrations, and an unwillingness to acknowledge certain structural realities, means that's not likely to happen. Disgracefully.

But I miss watching rugby and would dearly love to get behind pro rugby again. And the fact is, I can't as it stands. And nor, I'm going to wager, are many, many, many like me, who are alienated by arrangements. But like I said, I want to watch pro rugby.

I pray for Hazell and Lewis and other board directors to have the courage to be brave enough and say we need to try something new. And something new could just convince naysayers like myself. Old(er) age has taught me (a degree) of compromise, as I'm sure it has most others. If 'Gwent' truly isn't going anywhere, then a revisiting of other aspects could just convince me: Newport Gwent Bowmen playing in black, amber and white only might just do it for me (even though, as I type, I desperately wish to erase 'Gwent'). Please, no more red, it has no association with the ground.

But the most important matter, NEVER addressed, remains, the 50% WRU share, something that simply has to hinder more than help. It might be that it has expedited the likes of Appleyard moving to RP, and could even pave the way for Adam Jones, if he does indeed sign a central contract, but ultimately the sports business like any other is exclusively concerned with the maximising of revenue streams (profit being a non-starter). The 50/50 Newport/WRU set-up renders the benefactor required to financially contribute, exclusively, while not having the legal means to wholly shape the outfit's destiny.

Would you go into business, using your cash and your cash alone, to then undertake all day-to-day management, using your own resources, land and real estate, to cede a veto to a business partner who has no discernible financial contribution to offer? Strikes me as perverse and nonsensical. (And its that that then has me wanting Newport Black and Ambers and nothing else!!).

At the very least, the WRU should have the courage to gift its shares and voting rights to the only 'partner' (some might say, according to this analysis, patsy) willing and able, and available, for the past 11 years to operate an enterprise. They don't even have to say thank you.

A thoughtful post PRON. You make some valid points. The WRU involvement in NGD is unwelcome and debilitating. The original concept of "regions" seemed fair and proper and was a well-meaning attempt to maximise the support base for the new teams as well as being the only way to get the restructuring through a vote by the 320 WRU club members. The concept was never fully implemented though , and has left NGD at a disadvantage.
The WRU, as ever, was keener to exercise control than show leadership or allow full commercial discretion to those working at the sharp end. I'm not exonerating the regions from all blame, but none of them has really prospered under those conditions. All this huffing and puffing about the NGD name is a distraction though. There are more fundamental issues to address first or the game will go downhill. Perhaps Moffet's idea of 5 year rolling franchises is the way forward. Failing franchises could then be replaced. There's no perfect system though , and if anyone can **** up a good system, we can in Wales.

[quote][p][bold]The People's Republic of Newp[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]keithbob[/bold] wrote:
all you hear is dragons dragons,when they run towards the hazell before the start of the game and during the game.so what the hell is wrong with just calling us DRAGONS?.simples![/p][/quote]Because its dreadful, unimaginative, homogenous dross. If there has to be a silly moniker, then have something that resonates, like Siurians, Usksiders or Bowmen, a name that links the franchise to the local AND historical, not one borne of a typical, superficial, shallow, obvious harking to all things Wales.
As my name suggests, I want a Newport stand alone, no question, but this last 11 years has wore me down, and frankly, things move on. However the fact remains that issues of identity beset this 'region', and need to be resolved. I am still, after 11 years, frequently agitated when individuals choose to ignore the fact that Newport RFC as it was continues to exclusively underpin the regional team and that the 50% share held by WRU seems to have no discernible impact on that arrangement. It certainly hasn't led to additional investment above and beyond the central monies it disburses on a central basis under the Participation Agreement, so what value - as a business partner in the truest of senses - does it really add? I'm going for near or at the 'negligible' mark.
I want Newport back, with a moniker if needs be, playing in black and amber, but given rampant parochialism, typical south-east Wales chippiness, the obsessive powerlust displayed by certain parties in certain administrations, and an unwillingness to acknowledge certain structural realities, means that's not likely to happen. Disgracefully.
But I miss watching rugby and would dearly love to get behind pro rugby again. And the fact is, I can't as it stands. And nor, I'm going to wager, are many, many, many like me, who are alienated by arrangements. But like I said, I want to watch pro rugby.
I pray for Hazell and Lewis and other board directors to have the courage to be brave enough and say we need to try something new. And something new could just convince naysayers like myself. Old(er) age has taught me (a degree) of compromise, as I'm sure it has most others. If 'Gwent' truly isn't going anywhere, then a revisiting of other aspects could just convince me: Newport Gwent Bowmen playing in black, amber and white only might just do it for me (even though, as I type, I desperately wish to erase 'Gwent'). Please, no more red, it has no association with the ground.
But the most important matter, NEVER addressed, remains, the 50% WRU share, something that simply has to hinder more than help. It might be that it has expedited the likes of Appleyard moving to RP, and could even pave the way for Adam Jones, if he does indeed sign a central contract, but ultimately the sports business like any other is exclusively concerned with the maximising of revenue streams (profit being a non-starter). The 50/50 Newport/WRU set-up renders the benefactor required to financially contribute, exclusively, while not having the legal means to wholly shape the outfit's destiny.
Would you go into business, using your cash and your cash alone, to then undertake all day-to-day management, using your own resources, land and real estate, to cede a veto to a business partner who has no discernible financial contribution to offer? Strikes me as perverse and nonsensical. (And its that that then has me wanting Newport Black and Ambers and nothing else!!).
At the very least, the WRU should have the courage to gift its shares and voting rights to the only 'partner' (some might say, according to this analysis, patsy) willing and able, and available, for the past 11 years to operate an enterprise. They don't even have to say thank you.[/p][/quote]A thoughtful post PRON. You make some valid points. The WRU involvement in NGD is unwelcome and debilitating. The original concept of "regions" seemed fair and proper and was a well-meaning attempt to maximise the support base for the new teams as well as being the only way to get the restructuring through a vote by the 320 WRU club members. The concept was never fully implemented though , and has left NGD at a disadvantage.
The WRU, as ever, was keener to exercise control than show leadership or allow full commercial discretion to those working at the sharp end. I'm not exonerating the regions from all blame, but none of them has really prospered under those conditions. All this huffing and puffing about the NGD name is a distraction though. There are more fundamental issues to address first or the game will go downhill. Perhaps Moffet's idea of 5 year rolling franchises is the way forward. Failing franchises could then be replaced. There's no perfect system though , and if anyone can **** up a good system, we can in Wales.silurix

pointsmakeprizes wrote:
The way I look at it, a club/region has three types of fans; the die hard supporter, the casual fan and the glory hunter.
The die hard supporter will make an effort to attend as many games as possible, support the club/region through thick and thin and have a genuine interest in the future and direction of the club/region.
The casual fan will go to a few games with their mates, occasionally check the results and will have a passing interest in the politics of the club/region.
And now the glory hunter, often lauded as the lowest of the low, but take a few moments to think; that without the success these fans crave a club/region will never gain the opportunity to present themself to a new fan, this fan could grow and learn to become part of a family of supporters; a die hard fan.

The name given to a club/region has little to do with attracting new support, success does. The name may alienate a limited number of potential fans but success opens the door to a much higher number of potential season ticket holders.

I am a Newport man, born and raised. A Newport RFC fan, a Newport Gwent Dragons fan, a Wales fan and a fan of the game. Notice a succession? This is not to say that any one faction is more important than the other, rather that without the foundations the game can not prosper.

When Newport RFC play, I am a Newport Fan. When the Newport Gwent Dragons play, I am a Dragons fan and when Wales play I am a Wales fan. I'd like to think that this would be the case if I were from Ebbw Vale, Pontypool or Cross Keys. Club, Region and Nation, the way it should be.

But it is perceived outside of Newport as club, club and nation. You cannot fool all the people all of the time, as Abraham Lincoln once said.

[quote][p][bold]pointsmakeprizes[/bold] wrote:
The way I look at it, a club/region has three types of fans; the die hard supporter, the casual fan and the glory hunter.
The die hard supporter will make an effort to attend as many games as possible, support the club/region through thick and thin and have a genuine interest in the future and direction of the club/region.
The casual fan will go to a few games with their mates, occasionally check the results and will have a passing interest in the politics of the club/region.
And now the glory hunter, often lauded as the lowest of the low, but take a few moments to think; that without the success these fans crave a club/region will never gain the opportunity to present themself to a new fan, this fan could grow and learn to become part of a family of supporters; a die hard fan.
The name given to a club/region has little to do with attracting new support, success does. The name may alienate a limited number of potential fans but success opens the door to a much higher number of potential season ticket holders.
I am a Newport man, born and raised. A Newport RFC fan, a Newport Gwent Dragons fan, a Wales fan and a fan of the game. Notice a succession? This is not to say that any one faction is more important than the other, rather that without the foundations the game can not prosper.
When Newport RFC play, I am a Newport Fan. When the Newport Gwent Dragons play, I am a Dragons fan and when Wales play I am a Wales fan. I'd like to think that this would be the case if I were from Ebbw Vale, Pontypool or Cross Keys. Club, Region and Nation, the way it should be.[/p][/quote]But it is perceived outside of Newport as club, club and nation. You cannot fool all the people all of the time, as Abraham Lincoln once said.Melvyn The Milk

keithbob wrote:
all you hear is dragons dragons,when they run towards the hazell before the start of the game and during the game.so what the hell is wrong with just calling us DRAGONS?.simples!

Because its dreadful, unimaginative, homogenous dross. If there has to be a silly moniker, then have something that resonates, like Siurians, Usksiders or Bowmen, a name that links the franchise to the local AND historical, not one borne of a typical, superficial, shallow, obvious harking to all things Wales.

As my name suggests, I want a Newport stand alone, no question, but this last 11 years has wore me down, and frankly, things move on. However the fact remains that issues of identity beset this 'region', and need to be resolved. I am still, after 11 years, frequently agitated when individuals choose to ignore the fact that Newport RFC as it was continues to exclusively underpin the regional team and that the 50% share held by WRU seems to have no discernible impact on that arrangement. It certainly hasn't led to additional investment above and beyond the central monies it disburses on a central basis under the Participation Agreement, so what value - as a business partner in the truest of senses - does it really add? I'm going for near or at the 'negligible' mark.

I want Newport back, with a moniker if needs be, playing in black and amber, but given rampant parochialism, typical south-east Wales chippiness, the obsessive powerlust displayed by certain parties in certain administrations, and an unwillingness to acknowledge certain structural realities, means that's not likely to happen. Disgracefully.

But I miss watching rugby and would dearly love to get behind pro rugby again. And the fact is, I can't as it stands. And nor, I'm going to wager, are many, many, many like me, who are alienated by arrangements. But like I said, I want to watch pro rugby.

I pray for Hazell and Lewis and other board directors to have the courage to be brave enough and say we need to try something new. And something new could just convince naysayers like myself. Old(er) age has taught me (a degree) of compromise, as I'm sure it has most others. If 'Gwent' truly isn't going anywhere, then a revisiting of other aspects could just convince me: Newport Gwent Bowmen playing in black, amber and white only might just do it for me (even though, as I type, I desperately wish to erase 'Gwent'). Please, no more red, it has no association with the ground.

But the most important matter, NEVER addressed, remains, the 50% WRU share, something that simply has to hinder more than help. It might be that it has expedited the likes of Appleyard moving to RP, and could even pave the way for Adam Jones, if he does indeed sign a central contract, but ultimately the sports business like any other is exclusively concerned with the maximising of revenue streams (profit being a non-starter). The 50/50 Newport/WRU set-up renders the benefactor required to financially contribute, exclusively, while not having the legal means to wholly shape the outfit's destiny.

Would you go into business, using your cash and your cash alone, to then undertake all day-to-day management, using your own resources, land and real estate, to cede a veto to a business partner who has no discernible financial contribution to offer? Strikes me as perverse and nonsensical. (And its that that then has me wanting Newport Black and Ambers and nothing else!!).

At the very least, the WRU should have the courage to gift its shares and voting rights to the only 'partner' (some might say, according to this analysis, patsy) willing and able, and available, for the past 11 years to operate an enterprise. They don't even have to say thank you.

Newport Gwent Bowmen? Think you can be sure you represent a minority with that one. I agree the regional game and rebranding left alot behind but many have just moved on now. Even at their lowest ebb the Dragons can draw 4k plus. If they won every week it would much higher. Opinion will always be split over the name, though I honestly think the majority are more concerned about the performances nowadays.

Many have moved on, but not enough for it to be a going concern.

[quote][p][bold]Euwan Usami[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]The People's Republic of Newp[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]keithbob[/bold] wrote:
all you hear is dragons dragons,when they run towards the hazell before the start of the game and during the game.so what the hell is wrong with just calling us DRAGONS?.simples![/p][/quote]Because its dreadful, unimaginative, homogenous dross. If there has to be a silly moniker, then have something that resonates, like Siurians, Usksiders or Bowmen, a name that links the franchise to the local AND historical, not one borne of a typical, superficial, shallow, obvious harking to all things Wales.
As my name suggests, I want a Newport stand alone, no question, but this last 11 years has wore me down, and frankly, things move on. However the fact remains that issues of identity beset this 'region', and need to be resolved. I am still, after 11 years, frequently agitated when individuals choose to ignore the fact that Newport RFC as it was continues to exclusively underpin the regional team and that the 50% share held by WRU seems to have no discernible impact on that arrangement. It certainly hasn't led to additional investment above and beyond the central monies it disburses on a central basis under the Participation Agreement, so what value - as a business partner in the truest of senses - does it really add? I'm going for near or at the 'negligible' mark.
I want Newport back, with a moniker if needs be, playing in black and amber, but given rampant parochialism, typical south-east Wales chippiness, the obsessive powerlust displayed by certain parties in certain administrations, and an unwillingness to acknowledge certain structural realities, means that's not likely to happen. Disgracefully.
But I miss watching rugby and would dearly love to get behind pro rugby again. And the fact is, I can't as it stands. And nor, I'm going to wager, are many, many, many like me, who are alienated by arrangements. But like I said, I want to watch pro rugby.
I pray for Hazell and Lewis and other board directors to have the courage to be brave enough and say we need to try something new. And something new could just convince naysayers like myself. Old(er) age has taught me (a degree) of compromise, as I'm sure it has most others. If 'Gwent' truly isn't going anywhere, then a revisiting of other aspects could just convince me: Newport Gwent Bowmen playing in black, amber and white only might just do it for me (even though, as I type, I desperately wish to erase 'Gwent'). Please, no more red, it has no association with the ground.
But the most important matter, NEVER addressed, remains, the 50% WRU share, something that simply has to hinder more than help. It might be that it has expedited the likes of Appleyard moving to RP, and could even pave the way for Adam Jones, if he does indeed sign a central contract, but ultimately the sports business like any other is exclusively concerned with the maximising of revenue streams (profit being a non-starter). The 50/50 Newport/WRU set-up renders the benefactor required to financially contribute, exclusively, while not having the legal means to wholly shape the outfit's destiny.
Would you go into business, using your cash and your cash alone, to then undertake all day-to-day management, using your own resources, land and real estate, to cede a veto to a business partner who has no discernible financial contribution to offer? Strikes me as perverse and nonsensical. (And its that that then has me wanting Newport Black and Ambers and nothing else!!).
At the very least, the WRU should have the courage to gift its shares and voting rights to the only 'partner' (some might say, according to this analysis, patsy) willing and able, and available, for the past 11 years to operate an enterprise. They don't even have to say thank you.[/p][/quote]Newport Gwent Bowmen? Think you can be sure you represent a minority with that one. I agree the regional game and rebranding left alot behind but many have just moved on now. Even at their lowest ebb the Dragons can draw 4k plus. If they won every week it would much higher. Opinion will always be split over the name, though I honestly think the majority are more concerned about the performances nowadays.[/p][/quote]Many have moved on, but not enough for it to be a going concern.The People's Republic of Newp

keithbob wrote:
all you hear is dragons dragons,when they run towards the hazell before the start of the game and during the game.so what the hell is wrong with just calling us DRAGONS?.simples!

Because its dreadful, unimaginative, homogenous dross. If there has to be a silly moniker, then have something that resonates, like Siurians, Usksiders or Bowmen, a name that links the franchise to the local AND historical, not one borne of a typical, superficial, shallow, obvious harking to all things Wales.

As my name suggests, I want a Newport stand alone, no question, but this last 11 years has wore me down, and frankly, things move on. However the fact remains that issues of identity beset this 'region', and need to be resolved. I am still, after 11 years, frequently agitated when individuals choose to ignore the fact that Newport RFC as it was continues to exclusively underpin the regional team and that the 50% share held by WRU seems to have no discernible impact on that arrangement. It certainly hasn't led to additional investment above and beyond the central monies it disburses on a central basis under the Participation Agreement, so what value - as a business partner in the truest of senses - does it really add? I'm going for near or at the 'negligible' mark.

I want Newport back, with a moniker if needs be, playing in black and amber, but given rampant parochialism, typical south-east Wales chippiness, the obsessive powerlust displayed by certain parties in certain administrations, and an unwillingness to acknowledge certain structural realities, means that's not likely to happen. Disgracefully.

But I miss watching rugby and would dearly love to get behind pro rugby again. And the fact is, I can't as it stands. And nor, I'm going to wager, are many, many, many like me, who are alienated by arrangements. But like I said, I want to watch pro rugby.

I pray for Hazell and Lewis and other board directors to have the courage to be brave enough and say we need to try something new. And something new could just convince naysayers like myself. Old(er) age has taught me (a degree) of compromise, as I'm sure it has most others. If 'Gwent' truly isn't going anywhere, then a revisiting of other aspects could just convince me: Newport Gwent Bowmen playing in black, amber and white only might just do it for me (even though, as I type, I desperately wish to erase 'Gwent'). Please, no more red, it has no association with the ground.

But the most important matter, NEVER addressed, remains, the 50% WRU share, something that simply has to hinder more than help. It might be that it has expedited the likes of Appleyard moving to RP, and could even pave the way for Adam Jones, if he does indeed sign a central contract, but ultimately the sports business like any other is exclusively concerned with the maximising of revenue streams (profit being a non-starter). The 50/50 Newport/WRU set-up renders the benefactor required to financially contribute, exclusively, while not having the legal means to wholly shape the outfit's destiny.

Would you go into business, using your cash and your cash alone, to then undertake all day-to-day management, using your own resources, land and real estate, to cede a veto to a business partner who has no discernible financial contribution to offer? Strikes me as perverse and nonsensical. (And its that that then has me wanting Newport Black and Ambers and nothing else!!).

At the very least, the WRU should have the courage to gift its shares and voting rights to the only 'partner' (some might say, according to this analysis, patsy) willing and able, and available, for the past 11 years to operate an enterprise. They don't even have to say thank you.

Newport Gwent Bowmen? Think you can be sure you represent a minority with that one. I agree the regional game and rebranding left alot behind but many have just moved on now. Even at their lowest ebb the Dragons can draw 4k plus. If they won every week it would much higher. Opinion will always be split over the name, though I honestly think the majority are more concerned about the performances nowadays.

Many have moved on, but not enough for it to be a going concern.

I think many would argue that there are no profitable pro sides in rugby. The Dragons financial director did claim the Dragons had balanced the books last season and would show a small profit as a business. The real cost being to the team and the performances I suppose. I still say a winning team will bring in the fans, regardless of the name.

[quote][p][bold]The People's Republic of Newp[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Euwan Usami[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]The People's Republic of Newp[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]keithbob[/bold] wrote:
all you hear is dragons dragons,when they run towards the hazell before the start of the game and during the game.so what the hell is wrong with just calling us DRAGONS?.simples![/p][/quote]Because its dreadful, unimaginative, homogenous dross. If there has to be a silly moniker, then have something that resonates, like Siurians, Usksiders or Bowmen, a name that links the franchise to the local AND historical, not one borne of a typical, superficial, shallow, obvious harking to all things Wales.
As my name suggests, I want a Newport stand alone, no question, but this last 11 years has wore me down, and frankly, things move on. However the fact remains that issues of identity beset this 'region', and need to be resolved. I am still, after 11 years, frequently agitated when individuals choose to ignore the fact that Newport RFC as it was continues to exclusively underpin the regional team and that the 50% share held by WRU seems to have no discernible impact on that arrangement. It certainly hasn't led to additional investment above and beyond the central monies it disburses on a central basis under the Participation Agreement, so what value - as a business partner in the truest of senses - does it really add? I'm going for near or at the 'negligible' mark.
I want Newport back, with a moniker if needs be, playing in black and amber, but given rampant parochialism, typical south-east Wales chippiness, the obsessive powerlust displayed by certain parties in certain administrations, and an unwillingness to acknowledge certain structural realities, means that's not likely to happen. Disgracefully.
But I miss watching rugby and would dearly love to get behind pro rugby again. And the fact is, I can't as it stands. And nor, I'm going to wager, are many, many, many like me, who are alienated by arrangements. But like I said, I want to watch pro rugby.
I pray for Hazell and Lewis and other board directors to have the courage to be brave enough and say we need to try something new. And something new could just convince naysayers like myself. Old(er) age has taught me (a degree) of compromise, as I'm sure it has most others. If 'Gwent' truly isn't going anywhere, then a revisiting of other aspects could just convince me: Newport Gwent Bowmen playing in black, amber and white only might just do it for me (even though, as I type, I desperately wish to erase 'Gwent'). Please, no more red, it has no association with the ground.
But the most important matter, NEVER addressed, remains, the 50% WRU share, something that simply has to hinder more than help. It might be that it has expedited the likes of Appleyard moving to RP, and could even pave the way for Adam Jones, if he does indeed sign a central contract, but ultimately the sports business like any other is exclusively concerned with the maximising of revenue streams (profit being a non-starter). The 50/50 Newport/WRU set-up renders the benefactor required to financially contribute, exclusively, while not having the legal means to wholly shape the outfit's destiny.
Would you go into business, using your cash and your cash alone, to then undertake all day-to-day management, using your own resources, land and real estate, to cede a veto to a business partner who has no discernible financial contribution to offer? Strikes me as perverse and nonsensical. (And its that that then has me wanting Newport Black and Ambers and nothing else!!).
At the very least, the WRU should have the courage to gift its shares and voting rights to the only 'partner' (some might say, according to this analysis, patsy) willing and able, and available, for the past 11 years to operate an enterprise. They don't even have to say thank you.[/p][/quote]Newport Gwent Bowmen? Think you can be sure you represent a minority with that one. I agree the regional game and rebranding left alot behind but many have just moved on now. Even at their lowest ebb the Dragons can draw 4k plus. If they won every week it would much higher. Opinion will always be split over the name, though I honestly think the majority are more concerned about the performances nowadays.[/p][/quote]Many have moved on, but not enough for it to be a going concern.[/p][/quote]I think many would argue that there are no profitable pro sides in rugby. The Dragons financial director did claim the Dragons had balanced the books last season and would show a small profit as a business. The real cost being to the team and the performances I suppose. I still say a winning team will bring in the fans, regardless of the name.Euwan Usami

I hope they call it N*****t,play in black and amber and play all games at Dave Parade and the rest of Gwent can go to work ,shopping, to the pub or anything they wish and the 4,000 inbreeds can do whatever they like, rest of Gwent or the world just don't care anymore, sorry about that but it's true.

I hope they call it N*****t,play in black and amber and play all games at Dave Parade and the rest of Gwent can go to work ,shopping, to the pub or anything they wish and the 4,000 inbreeds can do whatever they like, rest of Gwent or the world just don't care anymore, sorry about that but it's true.stevey

Many arguments have very valid points, the name shouldn't matter that much really, Newport Dragons, or Gwent Dragons doesn't really matter to the quality on the pitch. It does however make a huge difference to the attraction of players worth thier salt on the pitch. We now have four prem clubs who can with some honest management all produce real Gwent players. Next season will see the return of Aled Brew, the addition of Lee Berne, and return of Goughy. Those alone will bring a wealth of experience to pass on to our promising youngsters. The future is not all roses but any improvement is most welcome. A win on Saturday will show a marginal improvement on last years position, not brilliant but an improved finish (by one place). I will be getting my season ticket ordered soon because I believe the only way us up. Are the other posters going to put thier money where thier mouths are I wonder?

Many arguments have very valid points, the name shouldn't matter that much really, Newport Dragons, or Gwent Dragons doesn't really matter to the quality on the pitch. It does however make a huge difference to the attraction of players worth thier salt on the pitch. We now have four prem clubs who can with some honest management all produce real Gwent players. Next season will see the return of Aled Brew, the addition of Lee Berne, and return of Goughy. Those alone will bring a wealth of experience to pass on to our promising youngsters. The future is not all roses but any improvement is most welcome. A win on Saturday will show a marginal improvement on last years position, not brilliant but an improved finish (by one place). I will be getting my season ticket ordered soon because I believe the only way us up. Are the other posters going to put thier money where thier mouths are I wonder?Robert Shillabeer

Robert Shillabeer wrote:
Many arguments have very valid points, the name shouldn't matter that much really, Newport Dragons, or Gwent Dragons doesn't really matter to the quality on the pitch. It does however make a huge difference to the attraction of players worth thier salt on the pitch. We now have four prem clubs who can with some honest management all produce real Gwent players. Next season will see the return of Aled Brew, the addition of Lee Berne, and return of Goughy. Those alone will bring a wealth of experience to pass on to our promising youngsters. The future is not all roses but any improvement is most welcome. A win on Saturday will show a marginal improvement on last years position, not brilliant but an improved finish (by one place). I will be getting my season ticket ordered soon because I believe the only way us up. Are the other posters going to put thier money where thier mouths are I wonder?

Not me, because sporting allegiances comprise identification with colours, identity and history, not something as ephemeral as whether that team wins or loses. Players, management, even owners, all come and go: its what remains that's most important. And my loyalties are not transferable.

[quote][p][bold]Robert Shillabeer[/bold] wrote:
Many arguments have very valid points, the name shouldn't matter that much really, Newport Dragons, or Gwent Dragons doesn't really matter to the quality on the pitch. It does however make a huge difference to the attraction of players worth thier salt on the pitch. We now have four prem clubs who can with some honest management all produce real Gwent players. Next season will see the return of Aled Brew, the addition of Lee Berne, and return of Goughy. Those alone will bring a wealth of experience to pass on to our promising youngsters. The future is not all roses but any improvement is most welcome. A win on Saturday will show a marginal improvement on last years position, not brilliant but an improved finish (by one place). I will be getting my season ticket ordered soon because I believe the only way us up. Are the other posters going to put thier money where thier mouths are I wonder?[/p][/quote]Not me, because sporting allegiances comprise identification with colours, identity and history, not something as ephemeral as whether that team wins or loses. Players, management, even owners, all come and go: its what remains that's most important. And my loyalties are not transferable.The People's Republic of Newp

PRON - rugby would never have got off the ground back in the 1880s if everyone had adopted your attitude. Newport RFC with its proud history is still there. Many of the 4000 stalwart Dragons supporters still support Newport. There's no conflict of loyalties unless you choose to make it so. Time to move on maybe?

PRON - rugby would never have got off the ground back in the 1880s if everyone had adopted your attitude. Newport RFC with its proud history is still there. Many of the 4000 stalwart Dragons supporters still support Newport. There's no conflict of loyalties unless you choose to make it so. Time to move on maybe?silurix

I watch Risca RFC on weekends at all levels 1st's 2nd's & Youth. Membership of club is about £30. Watch Dragon's occasionally (if i get free ticket) Can't believe people pay what they do to watch this rugby when enjoyment levels at ordinary club level can be just as good. Newport people get better value watching Pill or HSOB'S. There's just no 'Emphathy' for the region anywhere in Newport or Gwent.

I watch Risca RFC on weekends at all levels 1st's 2nd's & Youth. Membership of club is about £30. Watch Dragon's occasionally (if i get free ticket) Can't believe people pay what they do to watch this rugby when enjoyment levels at ordinary club level can be just as good. Newport people get better value watching Pill or HSOB'S. There's just no 'Emphathy' for the region anywhere in Newport or Gwent.Goat Man

silurix wrote:
PRON - rugby would never have got off the ground back in the 1880s if everyone had adopted your attitude. Newport RFC with its proud history is still there. Many of the 4000 stalwart Dragons supporters still support Newport. There's no conflict of loyalties unless you choose to make it so. Time to move on maybe?

Am intrigued by that. Why would rugby not have got off the ground because of the arguments I make?

And I'd love to move on, I really would! Maybe there's a pill I can take!

[quote][p][bold]silurix[/bold] wrote:
PRON - rugby would never have got off the ground back in the 1880s if everyone had adopted your attitude. Newport RFC with its proud history is still there. Many of the 4000 stalwart Dragons supporters still support Newport. There's no conflict of loyalties unless you choose to make it so. Time to move on maybe?[/p][/quote]Am intrigued by that. Why would rugby not have got off the ground because of the arguments I make?
And I'd love to move on, I really would! Maybe there's a pill I can take!The People's Republic of Newp

Hazell once said something like 'this isn't the black and amber show'. That was in 2005 I recall, and he thought that was that, end of debate. How wrong he was! His sidekick Will Godfrey - what a joke he is - once said something like 'we aren't worried about crowd size because we are guaranteed funding from the WRU'. He said that at a meeting I helped to organise to help save Newport RFC which he co-chaired. Both are complete fools. Hazell is responsible for this debacle. In a conversation with Dai Watkins in Perpignan he knew that Hazell wanted to create his new project and was determined to do so. It has failed as many of us predicted. Brown stood aside from it all. Newport in the name wasn't a consideration for any of them - reluctantly it was added after the sham 'Gwent Dragons' failed to take off. Unfortunately Hazell, Godfrey et al. were ably assisted by the Newport Supporters Club at the time who supported the NGD concept. I and others at the time campaigned against this and even put an ad in the Argus calling for the team to keep the black and amber colours, name change, badge etc. Remember, in the early days they weren't playing in those colours but Hazell was forced to do a u-turn on that. But it only added to the confusion over identity, ie, playing in a kit with black and amber in it whilst trying to appeal to the Gwentists!

Get rid of the 'Gwent Dragons' tag. Return it to Newport RFC. Black and Amber Hoops. Traditional Badge.

ps Get rid of Lyn 'Gwent Dragons' Jones also. BTW I believe he's been given a year to put things right hence no name change next season!

Hazell once said something like 'this isn't the black and amber show'. That was in 2005 I recall, and he thought that was that, end of debate. How wrong he was! His sidekick Will Godfrey - what a joke he is - once said something like 'we aren't worried about crowd size because we are guaranteed funding from the WRU'. He said that at a meeting I helped to organise to help save Newport RFC which he co-chaired. Both are complete fools. Hazell is responsible for this debacle. In a conversation with Dai Watkins in Perpignan he knew that Hazell wanted to create his new project and was determined to do so. It has failed as many of us predicted. Brown stood aside from it all. Newport in the name wasn't a consideration for any of them - reluctantly it was added after the sham 'Gwent Dragons' failed to take off. Unfortunately Hazell, Godfrey et al. were ably assisted by the Newport Supporters Club at the time who supported the NGD concept. I and others at the time campaigned against this and even put an ad in the Argus calling for the team to keep the black and amber colours, name change, badge etc. Remember, in the early days they weren't playing in those colours but Hazell was forced to do a u-turn on that. But it only added to the confusion over identity, ie, playing in a kit with black and amber in it whilst trying to appeal to the Gwentists!
Get rid of the 'Gwent Dragons' tag. Return it to Newport RFC. Black and Amber Hoops. Traditional Badge.
ps Get rid of Lyn 'Gwent Dragons' Jones also. BTW I believe he's been given a year to put things right hence no name change next season!DaiFrank

DaiFrank wrote:
Hazell once said something like 'this isn't the black and amber show'. That was in 2005 I recall, and he thought that was that, end of debate. How wrong he was! His sidekick Will Godfrey - what a joke he is - once said something like 'we aren't worried about crowd size because we are guaranteed funding from the WRU'. He said that at a meeting I helped to organise to help save Newport RFC which he co-chaired. Both are complete fools. Hazell is responsible for this debacle. In a conversation with Dai Watkins in Perpignan he knew that Hazell wanted to create his new project and was determined to do so. It has failed as many of us predicted. Brown stood aside from it all. Newport in the name wasn't a consideration for any of them - reluctantly it was added after the sham 'Gwent Dragons' failed to take off. Unfortunately Hazell, Godfrey et al. were ably assisted by the Newport Supporters Club at the time who supported the NGD concept. I and others at the time campaigned against this and even put an ad in the Argus calling for the team to keep the black and amber colours, name change, badge etc. Remember, in the early days they weren't playing in those colours but Hazell was forced to do a u-turn on that. But it only added to the confusion over identity, ie, playing in a kit with black and amber in it whilst trying to appeal to the Gwentists!

Get rid of the 'Gwent Dragons' tag. Return it to Newport RFC. Black and Amber Hoops. Traditional Badge.

ps Get rid of Lyn 'Gwent Dragons' Jones also. BTW I believe he's been given a year to put things right hence no name change next season!

The last two lines are interesting.....you have the most successful coach in Welsh rugby and are still not happy. The English game that attracts crowds of more than TREBLE N*****t games can afford to get younger, talented and better than the has-beens that are at and making their way to Dave Parade.
Remember a few seasons ago when there were concerns that you would be the Connaught of Welsh rugby? Connaught doing ok aren't they?

[quote][p][bold]DaiFrank[/bold] wrote:
Hazell once said something like 'this isn't the black and amber show'. That was in 2005 I recall, and he thought that was that, end of debate. How wrong he was! His sidekick Will Godfrey - what a joke he is - once said something like 'we aren't worried about crowd size because we are guaranteed funding from the WRU'. He said that at a meeting I helped to organise to help save Newport RFC which he co-chaired. Both are complete fools. Hazell is responsible for this debacle. In a conversation with Dai Watkins in Perpignan he knew that Hazell wanted to create his new project and was determined to do so. It has failed as many of us predicted. Brown stood aside from it all. Newport in the name wasn't a consideration for any of them - reluctantly it was added after the sham 'Gwent Dragons' failed to take off. Unfortunately Hazell, Godfrey et al. were ably assisted by the Newport Supporters Club at the time who supported the NGD concept. I and others at the time campaigned against this and even put an ad in the Argus calling for the team to keep the black and amber colours, name change, badge etc. Remember, in the early days they weren't playing in those colours but Hazell was forced to do a u-turn on that. But it only added to the confusion over identity, ie, playing in a kit with black and amber in it whilst trying to appeal to the Gwentists!
Get rid of the 'Gwent Dragons' tag. Return it to Newport RFC. Black and Amber Hoops. Traditional Badge.
ps Get rid of Lyn 'Gwent Dragons' Jones also. BTW I believe he's been given a year to put things right hence no name change next season![/p][/quote]The last two lines are interesting.....you have the most successful coach in Welsh rugby and are still not happy. The English game that attracts crowds of more than TREBLE N*****t games can afford to get younger, talented and better than the has-beens that are at and making their way to Dave Parade.
Remember a few seasons ago when there were concerns that you would be the Connaught of Welsh rugby? Connaught doing ok aren't they?stevey

DaiFrank wrote:
Hazell once said something like 'this isn't the black and amber show'. That was in 2005 I recall, and he thought that was that, end of debate. How wrong he was! His sidekick Will Godfrey - what a joke he is - once said something like 'we aren't worried about crowd size because we are guaranteed funding from the WRU'. He said that at a meeting I helped to organise to help save Newport RFC which he co-chaired. Both are complete fools. Hazell is responsible for this debacle. In a conversation with Dai Watkins in Perpignan he knew that Hazell wanted to create his new project and was determined to do so. It has failed as many of us predicted. Brown stood aside from it all. Newport in the name wasn't a consideration for any of them - reluctantly it was added after the sham 'Gwent Dragons' failed to take off. Unfortunately Hazell, Godfrey et al. were ably assisted by the Newport Supporters Club at the time who supported the NGD concept. I and others at the time campaigned against this and even put an ad in the Argus calling for the team to keep the black and amber colours, name change, badge etc. Remember, in the early days they weren't playing in those colours but Hazell was forced to do a u-turn on that. But it only added to the confusion over identity, ie, playing in a kit with black and amber in it whilst trying to appeal to the Gwentists!

Get rid of the 'Gwent Dragons' tag. Return it to Newport RFC. Black and Amber Hoops. Traditional Badge.

ps Get rid of Lyn 'Gwent Dragons' Jones also. BTW I believe he's been given a year to put things right hence no name change next season!

The worst thing about Lyn Jones is not his propensity for hiring old guns nearing the end of their careers (which he's doing), nor his criticising of players in public (which we've frequently witnessed), but his divisive, erroneous and inflammatory references to 'Gwent Dragons', which perpetuates the complexities of the identity issue.

Word to the wise Mr Jones... 'Gwent Dragons' ceased to exist in 2003, about a nanosecond after its launch. Without the outfit that begins with the (apparently dreaded) letter 'N', you wouldn't have a club to coach.

Such references merely serve to alienate at a time when YOU need to get as many people through the turnstiles to fund YOUR planned restructuring of the team. And setting that aside, its unprofessional and looks like the griping of a man with an axe to grind. All in all, pretty pathetic.

[quote][p][bold]DaiFrank[/bold] wrote:
Hazell once said something like 'this isn't the black and amber show'. That was in 2005 I recall, and he thought that was that, end of debate. How wrong he was! His sidekick Will Godfrey - what a joke he is - once said something like 'we aren't worried about crowd size because we are guaranteed funding from the WRU'. He said that at a meeting I helped to organise to help save Newport RFC which he co-chaired. Both are complete fools. Hazell is responsible for this debacle. In a conversation with Dai Watkins in Perpignan he knew that Hazell wanted to create his new project and was determined to do so. It has failed as many of us predicted. Brown stood aside from it all. Newport in the name wasn't a consideration for any of them - reluctantly it was added after the sham 'Gwent Dragons' failed to take off. Unfortunately Hazell, Godfrey et al. were ably assisted by the Newport Supporters Club at the time who supported the NGD concept. I and others at the time campaigned against this and even put an ad in the Argus calling for the team to keep the black and amber colours, name change, badge etc. Remember, in the early days they weren't playing in those colours but Hazell was forced to do a u-turn on that. But it only added to the confusion over identity, ie, playing in a kit with black and amber in it whilst trying to appeal to the Gwentists!
Get rid of the 'Gwent Dragons' tag. Return it to Newport RFC. Black and Amber Hoops. Traditional Badge.
ps Get rid of Lyn 'Gwent Dragons' Jones also. BTW I believe he's been given a year to put things right hence no name change next season![/p][/quote]The worst thing about Lyn Jones is not his propensity for hiring old guns nearing the end of their careers (which he's doing), nor his criticising of players in public (which we've frequently witnessed), but his divisive, erroneous and inflammatory references to 'Gwent Dragons', which perpetuates the complexities of the identity issue.
Word to the wise Mr Jones... 'Gwent Dragons' ceased to exist in 2003, about a nanosecond after its launch. Without the outfit that begins with the (apparently dreaded) letter 'N', you wouldn't have a club to coach.
Such references merely serve to alienate at a time when YOU need to get as many people through the turnstiles to fund YOUR planned restructuring of the team. And setting that aside, its unprofessional and looks like the griping of a man with an axe to grind. All in all, pretty pathetic.The People's Republic of Newp

Firstly, gwent fans do turn up and watch the team and they chant 'dragons' and 'men of gwent'. So the Gwent regional concept does work to some extent. It has to work. Welsh rugby clubs cannot afford to pay salaries to modern players. It also helps with the feeder system as newport, ebbw vale and cross keys provide a platform for youngsters to develop.

Secondly, the reason why many fans from cwmbran, ponty, monmouth and ebbw vale do not attend is because the team has NEWPORT in capital letters as its name, plays in newport colours, has newport board members, diehard fans like you lot chanting 'newport' and is quite obviously bloody newport. It's clear we are not welcome.

And finally, the reason why its a failing 'superclub' (and it is failing) is because the newport fans are so adamant that it remains newport and will not give the region a chance. The board members have been scared to drop newport and become a propper region like Scarlets and Ospreys. As a result we have a mismatch of club and region which doesn't appeal to anyone.

Why not Dragons playing in colours from the regional clubs? We can play some cup games in EV and other stadium to encourage more fans to embrace the club.

We need to grow up, appeal to more fans and move forward as a strong region. With great feeder clubs and gwent talent like Ebbw Vale's Toby F.

Or we remain as we are. Bitter newport fans. Low attendances. A miss match of names. Jurnos calling club newport gwent dragons, Lyn calling the club Dragons. A bloody mess.

Some of the comments from newport diehards have been funny to read.
Firstly, gwent fans do turn up and watch the team and they chant 'dragons' and 'men of gwent'. So the Gwent regional concept does work to some extent. It has to work. Welsh rugby clubs cannot afford to pay salaries to modern players. It also helps with the feeder system as newport, ebbw vale and cross keys provide a platform for youngsters to develop.
Secondly, the reason why many fans from cwmbran, ponty, monmouth and ebbw vale do not attend is because the team has NEWPORT in capital letters as its name, plays in newport colours, has newport board members, diehard fans like you lot chanting 'newport' and is quite obviously bloody newport. It's clear we are not welcome.
And finally, the reason why its a failing 'superclub' (and it is failing) is because the newport fans are so adamant that it remains newport and will not give the region a chance. The board members have been scared to drop newport and become a propper region like Scarlets and Ospreys. As a result we have a mismatch of club and region which doesn't appeal to anyone.
Why not Dragons playing in colours from the regional clubs? We can play some cup games in EV and other stadium to encourage more fans to embrace the club.
We need to grow up, appeal to more fans and move forward as a strong region. With great feeder clubs and gwent talent like Ebbw Vale's Toby F.
Or we remain as we are. Bitter newport fans. Low attendances. A miss match of names. Jurnos calling club newport gwent dragons, Lyn calling the club Dragons. A bloody mess.Gavinh